“Call it blush vs badass," The Hollywood Reporter previewed the Valentines/Presidents Weekend box-office and the coming battle between British spy romp KINGSMAN and BDSM/Romance film 'Fifty Shades of Grey.' The BDSM/Romance film is tracking to open between $50 - $60 million. "KINGSMAN … looking to open to $35 million or better, but it could overperform....” Both projections are for the four-day period from Feb 13 to Feb 16 which includes Valentines Day and Washington's Birthday (Observed).
KINGSMAN, as a spy-spoof/action-comedy is pure counter-programming for Valentines and those looking for a romantic weekend. Although some would say that BDSM themed 'Fifty Shades of Grey' is also counter programming, since the mainstream hasn't embraced BDSM with complete abandon.
Fox has screened KINGSMAN aggressively and Co-Chair Stacey Snider enthused, “I didn't expect to want to hug this movie [KINGSMAN] as much as I did.”
The Belfast Telegraph says that KINGSMAN “has a license to thrill.”
Forbes calls KINGSMAN “Best 007 homage”